YOUNG PEOPLE SPEND AVERAGE OF UP TO FIVE HOURS ONLINE, NEGATIVE EFFECTS EVIDENT

BELGRADE, DECEMBER 16 /SRNA/ – Psychologist Dušan Ranđelović told SRNA that the latest research indicates that young people aged 13 to 21 spend an average of four to five hours a day on mobile phones and the internet, which has a very negative impact on them, stressing that this issue must be addressed systematically, starting within the family.

Ranđelović said he is skeptical about the ban on social media for those under 16 introduced in Australia, noting that the question arises whether the real intention is to protect young people's mental health or to impose a greater level of control over them. He believes such a law would provoke backlash in Serbia, with young people seeking ways to exploit its loopholes. "In that sense, it is necessary to find other approaches that are systematic and capable of bringing about fundamental, long-term change," Ranđelović said. He pointed out that the negative effects of excessive use of mobile phones and social media, as well as the time spent on them, have been proven in both the cognitive and social spheres. According to him, this leads to reduced attention and concentration, poorer academic performance, and diminished memory. Increased anxiety and depression are also evident, along with phobias such as fear of losing one's phone or being unable to access the internet. "It also affects irritability and poor emotional regulation. In the cognitive sphere, this includes reduced motivation, procrastination, neglect of hobbies and real-life activities. All of these are manifestations of excessive phone use," Ranđelović noted. He added that social manifestations include withdrawal and difficulties in developing empathy and social skills. Ranđelović emphasized that, from a psychological standpoint, punishment should be a last resort. He believes that initial steps to reduce time spent on mobile phones and social media should be taken within the family through dialogue and personal example, along with defining time limits and creating screen-free zones. Ranđelović considers it acceptable for children to use phones in the living room, but not in the bedroom, as studies have confirmed the negative impact of phones on sleep duration and quality due to the specific blue light they emit. He also stressed the importance of encouraging social activities, time spent in nature, and board games. To achieve far-reaching effects, Ranđelović believes strong coordination is needed between families and the broader social community, especially schools when it comes to school-aged children. "Children in adolescence naturally tend toward rebellion and resistance to authority. That is why we need to approach them in a way that helps us reach and connect with them, and only then consider repressive measures," Ranđelović said.